A concise, presentation-style overview of Trezor Bridge: secure connectivity, privacy-first design, and best practices for managing your crypto safely.
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight communication layer that securely connects your Trezor hardware wallet to the Trezor Suite or compatible web apps. It acts as a secure translator between your desktop browser and the hardware device, enabling transaction signing and account management while minimizing exposure of sensitive data.
Unlike browser-only extensions, Bridge runs locally on your machine and isolates communication with the hardware device. This separation reduces attack surface, prevents web pages from directly accessing device internals, and enforces user confirmation before any cryptographic operation.
- Strong isolation between browser and device
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Automatic updates for compatibility and security fixes
Trezor Bridge listens on a local port and exposes a controlled API that local applications (like Trezor Suite) call. When a request arrives, Bridge verifies allowed origins and prompts you to approve actions on your device. The device itself holds private keys and performs signing; Bridge only forwards authorised requests.
Security for crypto management is layered. While Bridge is engineered to be minimal and secure, users must pair it with strong local hygiene: keep your OS up to date, verify Bridge downloads from official sources, and never install clone software. Always confirm transaction details on the physical device screen before approving.
Bridge intentionally avoids storing or transmitting secret information to remote servers. Public keys and non-sensitive metadata may be used by apps to display balances, but private keys never leave the hardware device. Be mindful that connected web apps may request permission to view account addresses — grant only to trusted apps.
1. Download Bridge only from official sources listed below.
2. Keep firmware and Bridge up to date — updates often include both features and critical fixes.
3. Use Trezor Suite for an integrated experience and avoid third-party sites that ask for unnecessary permissions.
4. Back up your recovery seed safely offline and never share it with anyone.
If Bridge does not detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, restart Bridge, and confirm no firewall is blocking local ports. Reinstall Bridge from official pages if necessary.
Developers integrating hardware wallet flows should use Trezor's documented APIs, validate events, and ensure origin checks are enforced. Avoid embedding signing requests in untrusted iframes and always require explicit on-device confirmation for high-value operations.